Skoda Kylaq SUV Leaks: Engine, Design, Safety Features, Competitors and Everything You Expect

German auto giant Skoda is gearing up to launch its sub-four meter Kylaq SUV in India. The Kylaq is scheduled to be phased out on November 6th and go on sale in 2025. This marks Skoda’s entry into the increasingly competitive subcompact SUV segment in the Indian market.

According to HT Auto, this move is part of Skoda’s larger India 2.0 strategy, which sees the brand focus heavily on SUVs. With the Kodiaq and Kushaq already on sale, the Kylaq is expected to further consolidate Skoda’s presence in the Indian market. The name “Kylaq” is inspired by Mount Kailash and the Sanskrit word for crystal and is a tribute to India’s cultural heritage.

According to reports, the Kylaq will be the third Skoda product to be built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, a derivative of Volkswagen Group’s MQB modular architecture that has been specifically adapted for the Indian market.

As for the design, the Kylaq will come with LED projector headlights, a vertical slatted grille that is characteristic of Skoda’s signature look and chunky front and rear bumpers, the report adds. It also features LED daytime running lights, pentagonal taillights with LED inserts, blacked alloy wheels, roof rails and rear disc brakes, giving it a robust and modern aesthetic.

In terms of dimensions, the Kylaq will have a length of 3,995 mm, a wheelbase of 2,566 mm and a ground clearance of 189 mm. The SUV was reportedly subjected to over 800,000 kilometers of testing in a variety of conditions, from extreme temperatures of -10°C to 85°C and altitudes from sea level to 3,000 meters, the release said. Skoda has also taken special measures to ensure the vehicle’s resilience to monsoons by testing water intrusion under intense simulated conditions.

Under the hood of the Kylaq is a 1.0 liter three-cylinder TSI petrol engine with 114 hp and 178 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, providing consumers with versatile driving options.

When it comes to safety, the Kylaq is expected to match the high standards of its Kushaq and Slavia siblings, both of which have received five-star safety ratings in global NCAP tests. It will be equipped with over 25 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, traction and stability control, and multi-collision braking, making it a robust contender in the subcompact SUV segment.

The Kylaq will compete with popular rivals like the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Venue.